Foundation

Question 1

Below-grade block

Answer 1

block below the finished grade

Question 2

Sub-grade block

Answer 2

block located below the normal footer level

Question 3

what are foundation anchor ties and what is their purpose?

Answer 3

Metal straps that are secured to the top of the foundation wall used to wrap and nail to the bottom plate of framing.

Question 4

What intervals should anchor ties be located on the top of the foundation?

Answer 4

3’ 6” O.C. and 1’ corners, panel breaks, and openings.

Question 5

will non-parged block allow water penetration?

Answer 5

Yes

Question 6

How many standard size brick does it take to cover one square foot?

Answer 6

6.75

Question 7

How many standard size brick does it take to cover a block?

Answer 7

6

Question 8

what is the typical width of a mortar joint?

Answer 8

3/8”

Question 9

what are brick wall ties and at what intervals are they placed?

Answer 9

connect brick to structure and 2’ both directions

Question 10

what is meant by striking the joint?

Answer 10

smooth indentation of a mortar joint and remove any excess for parging

Question 11

On blocks that are going to be parged and tarred, should the joints be struck?

Answer 11

yes

Question 12

what is it meant by parging a block foundation?

Answer 12

applying a think coat of concrete mix to exterior surface at foundation.

Question 13

Should you parge and tar sub grade block?

Answer 13

no

Question 14

Should you parge and tar below grade block?

Answer 14

Yes

Question 15

what is the acceptable tolerance for a foundation out of level and out of square?

Answer 15

Level: 1/4” Square: 1/2”

Question 16

who is responsible for foundation out of level or out of square?

Answer 16

Concrete subcontractor

Question 17

what is a brick lintel, and what is its purpose?

Answer 17

iron beam placed over open ins (windows, doors, garage)

Question 18

what is a head joint?

Answer 18

Vertical mortar joint between ends of masonry units

Question 19

what is a bed joint?

Answer 19

Horizontal mortar joint at the bottom of masonry units

Question 20

when do you brace a masonry foundation?

Answer 20

before backfill

Question 21

what is a slump test? explain

Answer 21

measure the consistency of concrete and determines how much water was used to make the batch.

Process:
SEE Powerpoint

Question 22

what is a whale?

Answer 22

horizontal bracing for footers

Question 23

what is a beam pocket, and how is the size determined?

Answer 23

notch in a foundation wall to accept a horizontal structural beam. size is determined by blueprints.

Question 24

what is “stoop bracket” or “haunch”?

Answer 24

arm of the foundation that is provided to support the weight of a slab.

Question 25

kneewall foundation

Answer 25

foundation combination of masonry or concrete along with a framed wall, which creature a minimum 96” high wall.

Question 26

Full 8’ or 9’ masonry foundation

Answer 26

concrete foundation walls on all sides that are min 90” high

Question 27

Slab construction

Answer 27

masonry or concrete combined with compacted fill and a concrete slab, cast in place to the proper dimensions of house.

Question 28

crawl space foundation

Answer 28

Masonry or concrete at a height of 32” to 40” above designed footer, with the area inside that is unconditioned.

Question 29

what are offset points and who installs them?

Answer 29

points that mark the foundation and accounts for 4’ overdig. engineer installed them.

Question 30

How often should a fireplace block foundation be tied into the main wall?

Answer 30

every other course

Question 31

how do you check a foundation to ensure its square?

Answer 31

take diagonals

Question 32

what are weep holes?

Answer 32

notches that allow water to flow from finger space

Question 33

How do you determine the height to waterproof?

Answer 33

plot plans assigned final grade TOPO

Question 34

Describe a poured foundation wall tie, and its purpose?

Answer 34

Metal strap used to hold wall panels the proper distance apart.

Question 35

On poured foundations, how long must the concrete set before the forms can be stripped?

Answer 35

Summer: 24hrs Winter: 48hrs

Question 36

How are the poured foundation wall ties sealed to prevent water penetration?

Answer 36

heavy mastic

Question 37

how does the poured wall subcontractor ensure that the walls are straight and level?

Answer 37

string line is used for checking straightness. Builders level is used for checking level walls.

Question 38

Describe how poured foundation walls are protected from freezing in your area?

Answer 38

Leave forms up

Question 39

what is it meant by the term “cold joint” and how should it be treated?

Answer 39

joint created when settled concrete gets freshly parged

Question 40

what is it meant by the term “honeycombing” and how should each be treated?

Answer 40

when aggregate rock is bowing on side of foundation wall. it is treated my parging.

Question 41

how many points of access are needed for concrete delivery on poured foundations?

Answer 41

3

Question 42

what methods of concrete delivery are used if access is not possible?

Answer 42

pump truck

Question 43

what is meant by the term “blow-out” when referring to poured wall foundations?

Answer 43

when forms fail